insular

adjective

in·​su·​lar ˈin(t)-su̇-lər How to pronounce insular (audio)
-syu̇-, 
ˈin-shə-lər
Synonyms of insular
1
: separated from other people or cultures
especially : not knowing or interested in new or different ideas
2
a
: of, relating to, or constituting an island
b
: dwelling or situated on an island
insular residents
3
: of or relating to an island of cells or tissue
insularism
ˈin(t)-su̇-lə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce insular (audio)
-syu̇-, 
ˈin-shə-lə-
noun
insularity
ˌin(t)-su̇-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce insular (audio)
-ˈla-rə- -syu̇-, 
ˌin-shə-ˈler-ə-, 
-ˈla-rə-
noun
insularly
ˈin(t)-su̇-lər-lē How to pronounce insular (audio)
-syu̇-, 
ˈin-shə-
adverb

Synonyms of insular

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Examples of insular in a Sentence

the insular world of boarding schools an insular community that is not receptive of new ideas, especially from outsiders
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some wished Huerta had spoken out earlier, at least within the insular union, to prevent others from being victimized. — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 The demotion has raised questions in this city’s insular taco world — about not only what had gone wrong at El Califa, but also which Mexico, rich or poor, should control the narrative of the taco, that most egalitarian of foods. — Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2026 Music scenes were insular; tapes were copied by hand and passed between friends and family. — Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026 Without that practice, both campus and life can become more insular and sterile. — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insular

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin insularis, from Latin insula island

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of insular was in 1611

Rhymes for insular

See All Rhymes for insular

Browse Nearby Words

insulant
insular
Insular Celtic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insular. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

insular

adjective
in·​su·​lar ˈin(t)s-(y)ə-lər How to pronounce insular (audio)
ˈin-shə-lər
1
: of, relating to, or forming an island
2
: being isolated or detached
an insular building
3
: not open to new or different ideas : narrow
an insular viewpoint
insularity
ˌin(t)s-(y)ə-ˈlar-ət-ē How to pronounce insular (audio)
ˌin-shə-ˈlar-
noun

Medical Definition

insular

adjective
in·​su·​lar -lər How to pronounce insular (audio)
: of or relating to an island of cells or tissue (as the islets of Langerhans or the insula)
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